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Baroda Cricket Association Stadium: India have suffered a setback ahead of the first ODI against New Zealand as wicketkeeper‑batter Rishabh Pant has been ruled out of the three‑match series due to a right side strain injury.

At India’s optional practice session at the BCA B ground, Pant looked organised in his batting session going for almost 50 minutes. But Pant experienced discomfort after being hit above the waist while facing a delivery from a throwdown specialist.

He immediately fell to his knees due to the immense pain and was quickly attended to by the support staff members and left the nets. “Scans and assessment by the team doctor showed that Rishabh copped a blow on the ribcage on the right side and a side strain has been detected, thus ruling him out of this ODI series against New Zealand,” said sources familiar with the matter to IANS on Saturday.